Creation Wines, a haven nestled in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde region of Hermanus, South Africa, has once again taken the global wine stage by storm, securing a coveted fourth place in the prestigious World’s Best Vineyards (WBV) list for the fourth consecutive year. This remarkable accolade also makes Creation Wines the best African winery, proudly standing alongside esteemed establishments from Argentina, Spain, Chile, and France.
Hemel-en-Aarde, meaning “heaven and earth,” lies just a few hours down the coast from Cape Town, blessed with a cool climate that yields fresh, refined Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. In 2002, Swiss winemaker JC Martin and his South African wife Carolyn acquired the farm and embarked on a mission to build a world-class estate that perfectly complemented its bountiful surroundings. Their shared viticultural expertise, combined with a modern approach to farming, winemaking, and hospitality, has transformed Creation into an absolute must-visit destination.
The World’s Best Vineyards awards look at the overall experience when rating the wine farms. At Creation Wines, visitors can indulge in a gastronomic delight, savoring seasonal, locally sourced and healthy cuisine from their à la carte menu, featuring small plate or multi-course options. Fun food pairings, like the beloved chocolate experience, add an extra layer of delight to the visit. Guests are encouraged to explore the estate’s grounds, adorned with numerous works of art by local artists, and to partake in local hiking and cycling safaris showcasing the unique fynbos vegetation of the Cape. These are just some of the sustainable options embraced by Creation, a proud member of voluntary schemes Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) and EnviroWines, and a WWF-SA Conservation Champion. The estate’s eco-friendly practices also extend to their solar-powered self-catering cottage, Voormanshuis, an utterly private and peaceful retreat complete with mountain bikes for guests’ enjoyment.
Sustainability and biodiversity champions at heart
Beyond its remarkable wines and warm hospitality, Creation Wines sets itself apart through its collaborations with leading scientific and academic initiatives. Engaging in projects like ClimaVin, a global climate change initiative led by Stellenbosch University, and the Vititec GEN-Z project, which focuses on experimental plantings to address climate change, Creation demonstrates its commitment to a secure, prosperous, and ethical global wine industry.
A deep sense of responsibility towards the Cape Floral Kingdom and biodiversity is one of the cornerstones of Creation Wines’ ethos. The team passionately advocates for the preservation of the surrounding natural environment, treating visitors to an immersive experience amidst lush indigenous gardens.
A tasting room experience inviting you to linger
The Tasting Room at Creation Wines offers a remarkable selection of 7 pairing options, from The Story of Creation to the Paradoxical Wine & Chocolate Pairing. As befits the region’s cooling influence from the nearby Atlantic Ocean, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir take center stage. The vineyards, perched at an elevation of around 290 meters on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, contribute to the wines’ vibrant acidity and refreshing character. The premium range features site-specific and barrel-selected wines, each presented in individually numbered bottles within elegant wooden gift boxes. Additionally, Creation produces Chenin Blanc, along with Bordeaux and Rhone varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Viognier.With an ethos that embraces innovation and rises to every dawn’s exciting new challenge, Creation Wines continues to shine as a beacon of excellence. As it secures its position among the top five wineries on the World’s Best Vineyards list, Creation Wines proudly elevates South Africa’s status as an irresistible destination for wine enthusiasts worldwide.
For more information and to book your exclusive visit to Creation Wines, visit their website.
